liver cancer tagged posts

Stuck in senescence, this cell can no longer grow or divide. The Arid1b protein (green) induces this state by regulating the expression of specific genes. In contrast other regions of the DNA (blue) contain genes that are not bound by Arid1b and are not expressed (red). Credit: MRC CSC

Scientists have shown that a mutation in gene Arid1b can cause liver cancer. The gene normally protects against cancer by limiting cell growth, but when mutated it allows cells to grow uncontrollably. The researchers have shown that two existing drugs can halt this growth in human cells. This points to a new approach to treating liver cancer. These early results could be translated into a treatment relatively quickly. This is because the drugs are already used to treat other types of cancer...

Dr. Ian Corbin (left) and Dr. Xiaodong Wen look over lab samples from their study of an experimental nanoparticle therapy that shows promise for fighting primary liver cancer. Credit: UT Southwestern Medical Center

“This approach offers a potentially new and safe way of treating liver cancer, and possibly other cancers,” said study Assistant Professor/ Dr. Ian Corbin . “The method utilizes the cholesterol carrier LDL, combined with fish oil to produce a unique nanoparticle that is selectively toxic to cancer cells.”

Primary liver cancer, or hepatocellular carcinoma, is the 6th most prevalent type of cancer and 3rd-leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Incidence of the disease is rising in the US, principally in relation to the spread of hepatitis C.

Fish oils are particularly r...

Bexarotene prodrug in nanobubble form is inserted directly into the tumor using a flexible catheter. Ultrasound ablation therapy to ‘pop’ the bubbles to release the agent. Credit: University of Illinois

A novel method for repositioning an FDA-approved anti-cancer compound has been discovered, which allows it to specifically target liver cancer tumors. A ‘triple attack’ technique combining chemotherapy, thermal ablation, and hyperthermia provided a highly targeted, yet minimally invasive approach.

“In this study, we re-purposed the topical agent bexarotene (Targretin®) – currently in limited use for cutaneous manifestations of T-cell lymphomas – and re-engineered it for use in solid tumor applications by forming self-assembling nanobubbles,” explained Assistant Prof. Dipanjan Pan...

SRBAL liver implant and Mayo Expert: Artificial Liver Ready for Human Testing: On any given day about 15,000 Americans are on the liver transplant waiting list, hoping they can get a lifesaving donor organ in time: https://youtu.be/bFLgr3G8ZQg

It supports healing and regeneration of the injured liver, and improve outcomes and reduce mortality rates for patients with acute liver failure. ~30,000-40,000 people die from liver disease each year, according to the American Liver Foundation. For acute liver failure, the only proven treatment has been liver transplantation. Developed by Scott Nyberg, M.D., Ph.D...